Just 24 minutes of housework a day lowers risk of early death, study reveals

Just 24 minutes of moderate housework can lower the risk of early death [Photo: Getty]

We hate to break it to you but there’s good reason to pull on your Marigolds this bank holiday weekend, as it could just save your life.

According to a new study conducted by the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, carrying out regular housework can significantly decrease the risk of early death.

The report published in the BMJ indicated that just 24 minutes of moderate physical activity in the home, think washing the dishes or giving the living room a quick hoover, is enough to do the trick.

Researchers from the University of Leicester collected the data from eight previous studies involving 36,383 adults over the age of 40 who wore trackers. Their health was monitored for an average of 5.8 years during the study.

“These findings really reinforce the saying ‘Doing something is better than doing nothing,’” Dr Charlotte Edwardson said. “They show that physical activity of any intensity lowers the risk of death.”

“So if you’re someone who doesn’t achieve the recommended levels of moderate intensity physical activity, then pottering around more at work or at home and just generally being on your feet more, will still be beneficial.”

So unleash your inner Mrs Hinch this weekend and get ready to reap the benefits of a good old fashioned spring clean.